Parts for your 2018 Honda Accord-Bump stops

2018 Honda Accord bump-stops: what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Honda Accord is fitted with bump-stops (also called jounce bumpers). The Honda Service Information (2018 Accord Service Manual, Front and Rear Suspension exploded views and component lists) identifies a “Bumper, Front Shock Absorber (Jounce Stop)” on the MacPherson strut, and a rear bump stop paired with the rear damper. The Honda Electronic Parts Catalog for the 2018 Accord (CV1/CV2) likewise lists these as serviceable parts, including typical entries such as Bumper/Bumper, Front Shock Absorber (e.g., P/N 51686‑TVA‑A01) and Rear Bump Stop components (e.g., P/N 52686‑TVA‑A01). So yes—bump-stops are relevant to this model.

On this Accord, the front bump-stop lives on the strut shaft under the dust boot, and the rear unit interfaces with the shock and body. Made from microcellular polyurethane foam, each bump-stop acts like a compact, progressive spring. When the suspension compresses hard—hitting a pothole, loading up over speed humps, or driving with a full boot and passengers—the bump-stop limits travel, cushions the hit, and protects the damper, mounts, and body from metal-to-metal contact. It also helps stabilise body control at the end of the stroke, so the car feels tidy rather than crashy.

As part of normal servicing, it’s wise to inspect the bump-stops any time the shocks/struts or dust boots are checked—typically around 60,000–100,000 kilometres, or sooner if the car tows, carries heavy loads, or drives on rough roads. Age, oil contamination, and heat can make the foam crumbly or split. If the dust boot is torn, assume the bump-stop has copped some abuse too.

• Replace if you see cracks, chunks missing, excessive softness, or oil saturation.
• Always replace in pairs (both fronts or both rears) and fit new dust boots.
• Avoid petroleum-based lubricants, no grease is required on the foam.
• After strut work, get a wheel alignment, follow workshop torque specs.

Common signs they’re due: a sharp “bang” on big bumps, harsh bottoming, or a new clunk at full compression. Lowered cars rely even more on healthy bump-stops, since there’s less travel to play with. Replacing them while doing shocks/struts is cost-effective—the fronts require spring removal anyway, and fresh bump-stops help the new dampers last longer and ride better.

Popular questions about 2018 Honda Accord bump-stops

Do all 2018 Accords have bump-stops?
Yes. Both front and rear suspensions use bump-stops. The fronts are integrated on the strut shaft beneath the dust boot, and the rears work with the shock assembly to limit jounce travel and protect components.

When should they be replaced?
Inspect at 60,000–100,000 kilometres or whenever shocks/struts are replaced. Replace earlier if there’s visible cracking, crumbling, oil soaking, or if the car regularly bottoms out over bumps.

Can a handy DIYer replace them at home?
Rear units are usually straightforward. Fronts sit under spring preload, so a safe, proper spring compressor and correct reassembly are essential. If unsure, let a pro handle it and book an alignment afterwards.